Carbon Nanotubes and Nanocomposites
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical structures made up of carbon atoms arranged in a tube-like fashion. They are typically 1-2 nanometers in diameter and can be several millimeters long. CNTs have unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties that make them attractive for a wide range of applications, including nanocomposites.
Nanocomposites are materials that consist of a matrix material (such as a polymer) reinforced with nanoparticles or fibers. The addition of CNTs to polymers can improve their mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability. This has led to the development of CNT-reinforced nanocomposites for a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical engineering.
CNT-reinforced nanocomposites hold great promise for the development of high-performance materials with unique properties and functionality. However, their commercialization and widespread use are still limited by the high cost of CNTs and the challenges associated with their large-scale production and processing.